The decision to do so got Harris fired, as the Meadows Race Track and Casino decided to dump the Hall of Famer as an endorser.

"In light of the recent developments with Franco Harris regarding Joe Paterno’s dismissal, Franco and The Meadows have mutually decided to put their business relationship on hold at this time, while these matters are looked into further," the Meadows said in a statement.

It's a surprising turn of events, especially considering that this is, you know, a casino. It's not exactly the home of the moral high ground. Still, it seems that they probably recognized Harris Q-rating would take a hit.

"Now, everyone gets to interpret in their own way," Harris said recently. "That's what really bothers me: Joe did what was right for him to do. He forwarded the information to his superiors. That's the legal procedure at Penn State."

According to a story posted Wednesday on WTAE.com, Harris' friends warned him that speaking out in support of Paterno would leave him susceptible to criticism from potential sponsors, but Harris said he was unconcerned.

WTAE's Sally Wiggin reports that Harris will meet with Penn State University President Rodney Erickson and the Board of Trustees.

"I really want to get some answers," Harris said. "How do you justify the firing of Joe Paterno? And I want to know from the president, why aren't you rehiring Joe Paterno?"

Harris might be legally right to defend Paterno. We won't know that until the full legal proceedings in this matter are finished. But if Paterno could have stopped the terrible things that allegedly happened at Penn State from happening, there's really no moral ground to stand on.

Casino fires Franco Harris for supporting Paterno

Harris' comments were idiotic when i first heard them and am not surprised by this in the least!! And being an alum of Penn State doesnt matter but if you make statements like Harris' then you deserve anything that happens to you. Its only going to GET WORSE for Joe Pa when hes on the witness stand!!!! THen and only then will we have all the facts

Since: Feb 28, 2011

Posted on: November 16, 2011 11:26 am

Casino fires Franco Harris for supporting Paterno

All the ones who support child molestors or cover up for them!! Yeah, they should all be fired and the ones who support molestors or the people who cover up for them.

Since: Oct 4, 2006

Posted on: November 16, 2011 11:23 am

Casino fires Franco Harris for supporting Paterno

Should all PSU Alums get fired from their jobs, because of this?

Since: Dec 1, 2008

Posted on: November 16, 2011 11:17 am

Casino fires Franco Harris for supporting Paterno

Good for the casino. Not sure how these posts can compare a casino to child rape allegations though.

Since: Jul 3, 2007

Posted on: November 16, 2011 11:16 am

Casino fires Franco Harris for supporting Paterno

Whose the pot? and whose the kettle?

I disagree with Franco Harris' statements this week, but this wasn't like right for a second. This is firing somebody for publicly defending a man who he generally liked. I'm kind of afraid of how animalistic our society has become since this whole thing broke. Rashard Mendenhall doesn't get fired for thinking that 9/11 didnt happen. Is a man no longer entitled to his opinion? I'm considering transferring from Penn State because I'm afraid I won't get a job unless I graduate from somewhere else